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Our commitment to serving the civil aviation industry remains steadfast, and we are thrilled to announce the recent adoption of international standards for Galileo and future Satellite Based Augmentation Systems by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This marks a major milestone in the aviation industry, as it enables us to fully leverage the potential of satellite navigation services developed in Europe in combination with GPS.

The Galileo constellation, the European Union's global navigation satellite system, will provide advanced navigation capabilities to the aviation sector, greatly improving the availability and reliability of services. With a more accurate and secure signal for positioning and timing, the risk of signal loss or interference will be significantly reduced. Additionally, the use of multiple frequency bands will enhance signal resilience, making the system more robust and reliable.

Furthermore, the evolution to EGNOS v3 will augment Galileo and enable the use of its dual-frequency bands (E1 and E5 protected for Aviation use) in combination with GPS, further enhancing vertical guidance to enable Precision approach and landing capabilities for all equipped aircraft across Europe. This will provide greater safety and reliability to the aviation industry, not only in Europe but also in other regions beyond the continent.

The adoption of these international standards is the result of the long-standing work of the European Commission DG DEFIS, in partnership with EUSPA, DG-MOVE, EASA and ESA. This collaboration has played a critical role in bringing Galileo and EGNOS to the forefront of the aviation industry.

In conclusion, this adoption of international standards represents a significant step towards achieving the next level of navigation capabilities in the aviation sector, making air travel safer, more efficient, and more reliable. “We are confident that the aviation industry will benefit greatly from this development, and we remain dedicated to serving our civil aviation customers,” concluded Jean-Marc Piéplu, EUSPA EGNOS Exploitation Programme Manager.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

Our commitment to serving the civil aviation industry remains steadfast, and we are thrilled to announce the recent adoption of international standards for Galileo and future Satellite Based Augmentation Systems by the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). This marks a major milestone in the aviation industry, as it enables us to fully leverage the potential of satellite navigation services developed in Europe in combination with GPS.

The Galileo constellation, the European Union's global navigation satellite system, will provide advanced navigation capabilities to the aviation sector, greatly improving the availability and reliability of services. With a more accurate and secure signal for positioning and timing, the risk of signal loss or interference will be significantly reduced. Additionally, the use of multiple frequency bands will enhance signal resilience, making the system more robust and reliable.

Furthermore, the evolution to EGNOS v3 will augment Galileo and enable the use of its dual-frequency bands (E1 and E5 protected for Aviation use) in combination with GPS, further enhancing vertical guidance to enable Precision approach and landing capabilities for all equipped aircraft across Europe. This will provide greater safety and reliability to the aviation industry, not only in Europe but also in other regions beyond the continent.

The adoption of these international standards is the result of the long-standing work of the European Commission DG DEFIS, in partnership with EUSPA, DG-MOVE, EASA, ESA and in coordination with the EU Member States and their ANSPs. This collaboration has played a critical role in bringing Galileo and EGNOS to the forefront of the aviation industry.

In conclusion, this adoption of international standards represents a significant step towards achieving the next level of navigation capabilities in the aviation sector, making air travel safer, more efficient, and more reliable. “We are confident that the aviation industry will benefit greatly from this development, and we remain dedicated to serving our civil aviation customers,” concluded Jean-Marc Piéplu, EUSPA EGNOS Exploitation Programme Manager.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

As we recognise World Meteorological Day today, the World Meteorological Organisation asks that we take a moment to consider the future of weather, climate and water across generations. 

According to data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), the future is expected to be even hotter and characterized by more extreme weather events. This prediction is supported by the latest UN report, published earlier this week, which confirmed that the global surface temperature has risen by 1.1°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900).

C3S, like other Copernicus services, utilizes a vast amount of satellite and in situ data, which it analyzes to generate valuable insights into climate change. For instance, it predicts the frequency and severity of heatwaves that are expected to occur in the coming decades. Such data is essential for both adaptation and mitigation measures, as decision-makers need to be informed to take appropriate climate action.

EU Space and Copernicus, in particular, play a crucial role in supporting society, climate researchers, and policymakers by providing authoritative information about the historical, current, and future climate in Europe and the world. The availability of operationally-produced high-quality data is essential for making informed decisions on climate action.

Local authorities and NGOs can use this information to be more proactive to disasters. Predefined early interventions before a disaster takes place, can save human lives and reduce costs compared to performing only post-event interventions. During a recent EUSPA-hosted workshop on Anticipatory Humanitarian Action various stakeholders shared how they are already using Copernicus data and services to anticipate the impact of weather-related disasters, including severe droughts, heatwaves and floods. 

As highlighted by Josée Poirer, Senior Data Scientist Consultant in the Centre for Humanitarian Data of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA): “In addition to anticipating the impact of disasters, Earth Observation-derived data, like the ones coming from Copernicus, can assist in the prioritisation of actions for a more targeted and efficient response”.

Space-based solutions to weather-related risks

In addition to hosting informative workshops and webinars, EUSPA also supports companies and projects developing space-based solutions to weather-related risks. It does this primarily through Horizon Europe, the EU’s research and innovation funding programme.

One of those projects is MAGDA, which is leveraging GNSS (including Galileo) and drones to provide the agricultural sector with precise atmosphere monitoring. 

“Climate change is expected to produce an increase in severe weather events like torrential rain, heat and cold waves, as well as weather conditions that favour agricultural pests and diseases,” says MAGDA project coordinator Eugenio Realini. “This project aims to improve site-specific weather forecasts as well as irrigation advisories, both of which will proactively contribute to protecting crops from severe weather.”.

As Realini explains, the project will exploit the potential of GNSS-, drone- and Copernicus-derived data sets to improve the prediction of severe weather events and weather-driven agriculture pests and diseases. These same weather forecasts can be used to drive a hydrological model for irrigation performance and water accounting.

Resiliency to a changing climate 

The World Meteorological Organisation was first founded 150 years ago, when pollution from industrial and human activities was just starting. Since then, the average global temperature has increased by more than 1° Celsius. 

While this increase is causing our weather to become more extreme, the good news is that technology like the EU Space Programme, along with scientific advances such as those being funded by EUSPA, have significantly improved the accuracy of weather forecasts and life-saving early warnings. 

“With climate change, the future of our weather, climate, and water cycle is set to change significantly. However, through the valuable data and services offered by the EU Space Programme, we have gained a deeper understanding of the potential changes we might face, enabling us to take proactive measures to prepare for the future. As we continue to monitor and assess the impacts of climate change on our planet, the information provided by the EU Space Programme will play a crucial role in developing effective strategies to mitigate the effects of this global phenomenon," concludes da Costa

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

Forests offer countless benefits – from purifying water to cleaning the air and capturing carbon to fight climate change. They also provide food, life-saving medicines and raw materials for building homes. And who hasn’t enjoyed going for a hike in the woods?  

To celebrate the many benefits of healthy forests, the United Nations has designated today, 21 March, as the International Day of Forests. But more than celebrating, today is also a chance to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our forests. 

“Conserving and sustainably using forests is one of the best ways of protecting our planet and our own well-being,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “It’s up to us to safeguard these precious natural resources – and EU Space and our Agency can help.”

From promoting reforestation to preventing deforestation, degradation and fires, the EU Space Programme is an essential tool for sustainable forest management. Here’s six ways that Copernicus, EGNOS and Galileo are all working to ensure that everyone can benefit from healthy forests. 

1. Keeping an eye on carbon sinks

Trees are important carbon sinks, meaning they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. According to the Forest Information System for Europe (FISE), as of 2020, Europe’s forests were storing 92.1 gigatonnes of carbon. Unfortunately, when forests disappear or become degraded, all this stored carbon gets emitted back into the atmosphere. 

This highlights the critical need to monitor the carbon stocks of forested regions – monitoring that can be done via Earth Observation. For example, using the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service, climate scientists can map and monitor forest biomass and estimate its potential to serve as a carbon sink. 

2. Planting 3 billion trees

A key component of the EU Forest Strategy, which aims to improve the quantity and quality of Europe’s forests while also strengthening their protection, restoration and resilience, is to plant 3 billion new trees by 2030. According to the 2022 EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report, Earth Observation will play a big part in achieving this goal. 

With the climate and weather data provided by Copernicus, authorities can better understand how different tree species will adapt to droughts, heatwaves and other climate-induced extreme weather events. EO can also provide decision makers with the data on soil composition they need to ensure these new trees are planted in the right conditions. 

3. Stopping deforestation 

The UN estimates that every year the world loses nearly 4.7 million hectares of forested area. Much of this loss is due to deforestation, the process of converting forested land into other uses. 

When it comes to detecting, mapping and monitoring this deforestation, nothing beats Earth Observation. For example, EO-based tools for forest monitoring are using Copernicus data, along with the optical and radar instruments onboard Sentinel satellites, to provide global information with a high acquisition frequency to forestry stakeholders completely free of charge.  

4. Preventing illegal logging

Copernicus can even help prevent illegal logging – a major cause of deforestation. By flagging potential development and road construction happening within forests, EO data helps authorities look for illegal activity and predict where such activity is most likely to occur. 

Authorities also use GNSS to track timbre movements, which can help increase the transparency and traceability of the timber supply chain, reducing the likelihood that illegal exportation goes unnoticed. 

5. Sustainable forests management 

Much of Europe’s forests are under the management of the forest industry and are used to source raw material to produce paper and wood products. If these forests aren’t sustainably managed, we could run out of raw material – which is why the forestry industry is keen on using EU Space. 

Forest managers and owners use remote sensing technologies to gather data over the large, often remote swaths of land that managed forests cover. They then use this data to track relevant inventory and, based on this, optimise harvesting and planting plans. 

The forestry industry also relies on GNSS for such precision operations as the guidance of machinery and the variable rate application of fertilisers and irrigation – all of which allow the timber industry to implement best practices in sustainable forest management. 

Thanks to its more robust signals, Galileo performs better under dense tree canopies, enabling machine guidance in forest environments. Moreover, Galileo is used to guide drones, which are increasingly being utilised in forest management operations.

6. Fighting forests fires

With climate change causing extreme draughts, heatwaves and winds, forest fires are becoming an all-too frequent occurrence. Luckily, fire departments and decision makers can rely on Earth Observation to help mitigate the risk of fires before they happen and to battle them when they do. That’s because EO has the advantage of being able to provide wide geographic coverage and the ability to ‘see’ through clouds and smoke and rapidly capture images. 

Firefighting teams are also replacing their ground-based systems and use of rotorcraft with drones equipped with a range of sensors for capturing data. Such systems are particularly beneficial in rural and remote areas, where EO-equipped drones guided by the precise positioning offered by GNSS can provide wildfire fighters with another layer of information – and protection. 

7. Cassini Hackathon and EUSPA´s contribution

EUSPA is leading the Cassini hackathons and also there, forestry is a big topic! Earth observation to protect forests from bark beetle infestation was the idea of YOLANDA. Blaz & Matic were old friends, they met Primoz and Lucija at the Cassini Hackathon #4. They were all already familiar with the problem of bark beetle infestation, but only during the hackathon, they crafted a realistic plan for a software product that allows forest insurers/owners to have actionable insights from satellite imagery. The ultimate outcome is the preservation of our natural resources and an increase in CO2 sequestration.

Endless potential 

As we celebrate International Forests Day, it’s important to remember that, while our forests are in trouble, there is still plenty we can do to help. 

“From carbon monitoring to sustainable logging, Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS are indispensable tools for protecting – even restoring – our forests,” concludes da Costa. “When these tools are paired with emerging technologies like drones, robots and artificial intelligence, the potential for preserving healthy forests for future generations is endless. The protection of our forests is critical not only for the environment but also for the success of the EU Green Deal and our collective efforts to combat climate change.”

To learn more about this potential, be sure to check out the dedicated chapter in the latest edition of our EO and GNSS Market Report and get in touch with EUSPA at market@euspa.europa.eu. 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

Forests offer countless benefits – from purifying water to cleaning the air and capturing carbon to fight climate change. They also provide food, life-saving medicines and raw materials for building homes. And who hasn’t enjoyed going for a hike in the woods?  

To celebrate the many benefits of healthy forests, the United Nations has designated today, 21 March, as the International Day of Forests. But more than celebrating, today is also a chance to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our forests. 

“Conserving and sustainably using forests is one of the best ways of protecting our planet and our own well-being,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. “It’s up to us to safeguard these precious natural resources – and EU Space and our Agency can help.”

From promoting reforestation to preventing deforestation, degradation and fires, the EU Space Programme is an essential tool for sustainable forest management. Here’s six ways that Copernicus, EGNOS and Galileo are all working to ensure that everyone can benefit from healthy forests. 

1. Keeping an eye on carbon sinks

Trees are important carbon sinks, meaning they absorb more carbon from the atmosphere than they release. According to the Forest Information System for Europe (FISE), as of 2020, Europe’s forests were storing 92.1 gigatonnes of carbon. Unfortunately, when forests disappear or become degraded, all this stored carbon gets emitted back into the atmosphere. 

This highlights the critical need to monitor the carbon stocks of forested regions – monitoring that can be done via Earth Observation. For example, using the Copernicus Land Monitoring Service, climate scientists can map and monitor forest biomass and estimate its potential to serve as a carbon sink. 

2. Planting 3 billion trees

A key component of the EU Forest Strategy, which aims to improve the quantity and quality of Europe’s forests while also strengthening their protection, restoration and resilience, is to plant 3 billion new trees by 2030. According to the 2022 EUSPA EO and GNSS Market Report, Earth Observation will play a big part in achieving this goal. 

With the climate and weather data provided by Copernicus, authorities can better understand how different tree species will adapt to droughts, heatwaves and other climate-induced extreme weather events. EO can also provide decision makers with the data on soil composition they need to ensure these new trees are planted in the right conditions. 

3. Stopping deforestation 

The UN estimates that every year the world loses nearly 4.7 million hectares of forested area. Much of this loss is due to deforestation, the process of converting forested land into other uses. 

When it comes to detecting, mapping and monitoring this deforestation, nothing beats Earth Observation. For example, EO-based tools for forest monitoring are using Copernicus data, along with the optical and radar instruments onboard Sentinel satellites, to provide global information with a high acquisition frequency to forestry stakeholders completely free of charge.  

4. Preventing illegal logging

Copernicus can even help prevent illegal logging – a major cause of deforestation. By flagging potential development and road construction happening within forests, EO data helps authorities look for illegal activity and predict where such activity is most likely to occur. 

Authorities also use GNSS to track timbre movements, which can help increase the transparency and traceability of the timber supply chain, reducing the likelihood that illegal exportation goes unnoticed. 

5. Sustainable forests management 

Much of Europe’s forests are under the management of the forest industry and are used to source raw material to produce paper and wood products. If these forests aren’t sustainably managed, we could run out of raw material – which is why the forestry industry is keen on using EU Space. 

Forest managers and owners use remote sensing technologies to gather data over the large, often remote swaths of land that managed forests cover. They then use this data to track relevant inventory and, based on this, optimise harvesting and planting plans. 

The forestry industry also relies on GNSS for such precision operations as the guidance of machinery and the variable rate application of fertilisers and irrigation – all of which allow the timber industry to implement best practices in sustainable forest management. 

Thanks to its more robust signals, Galileo performs better under dense tree canopies, enabling machine guidance in forest environments. Moreover, Galileo is used to guide drones, which are increasingly being utilised in forest management operations.

6. Fighting forests fires

With climate change causing extreme draughts, heatwaves and winds, forest fires are becoming an all-too frequent occurrence. Luckily, fire departments and decision makers can rely on Earth Observation to help mitigate the risk of fires before they happen and to battle them when they do. That’s because EO has the advantage of being able to provide wide geographic coverage and the ability to ‘see’ through clouds and smoke and rapidly capture images. 

Firefighting teams are also replacing their ground-based systems and use of rotorcraft with drones equipped with a range of sensors for capturing data. Such systems are particularly beneficial in rural and remote areas, where EO-equipped drones guided by the precise positioning offered by GNSS can provide wildfire fighters with another layer of information – and protection. 

7. Cassini Hackathon and EUSPA´s contribution

EUSPA is leading the Cassini hackathons and also there, forestry is a big topic! Earth observation to protect forests from bark beetle infestation was the idea of YOLANDA. Blaz & Matic were old friends, they met Primoz and Lucija at the Cassini Hackathon #4. They were all already familiar with the problem of bark beetle infestation, but only during the hackathon, they crafted a realistic plan for a software product that allows forest insurers/owners to have actionable insights from satellite imagery. The ultimate outcome is the preservation of our natural resources and an increase in CO2 sequestration.

4^th CASSINI Hackathon winners YOLANDA (Slovenia)

Endless potential 

As we celebrate International Forests Day, it’s important to remember that, while our forests are in trouble, there is still plenty we can do to help. 

“From carbon monitoring to sustainable logging, Copernicus, Galileo and EGNOS are indispensable tools for protecting – even restoring – our forests,” concludes da Costa. “When these tools are paired with emerging technologies like drones, robots and artificial intelligence, the potential for preserving healthy forests for future generations is endless. The protection of our forests is critical not only for the environment but also for the success of the EU Green Deal and our collective efforts to combat climate change.”

To learn more about this potential, be sure to check out the dedicated chapter in the latest edition of our EO and GNSS Market Report and get in touch with EUSPA at market@euspa.europa.eu. 

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).

From 6 to 10 March 2023, the EU conducted the Space Threat Response Architecture (STRA) 2023 exercise at the European External Action Service (EEAS) Headquarters in Brussels.

The STRA exercise is a yearly exercise to test and enhance the EU´s response to threats to the systems and services deployed under the various components of the EU Space Programme. It builds on a scenario, which reflects the complexity of the current geopolitical landscape and emerging hybrid threats, ranging from cyber-attacks on space and ground segments to spoofing or jamming satellite signals, as well as disinformation campaigns.

During the STRA 2023 exercise, the EU´s space threat response mechanism was triggered by a cyber-security incident affecting Galileo. The incident was activated in EEAS HQ and involved key political, diplomatic and operational actors including Member States, the EEAS, the EU Space Programme Agency (EUSPA /Galileo Security Monitoring Centre), the Commission and the Council of the European Union. Italy and Spain as Galileo host nations activated their chain of command, involving appropriate national capabilities to address the incident and providing support to digital forensics and critical infrastructure protection measures. 

During this exercise, the Agency demonstrated that its mission in implementing the operational security of Galileo as a component of the European Union Space Programme is fulfilled. 

“EUSPA continues to take steps to ensure the security of the EU Space Programme and the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the data and services it provides,” says EUSPA Executive Director Rodrigo da Costa. 

Central to this role is the Galileo Security Monitoring Centre (GSMC). 

Around-the-clock monitoring 

The GSMC monitors and, when necessary, acts regarding security threats, security alerts and the operational status of Galileo’s various components. It operates its mission from the two facilities in Saint-Germain-en-Laye, France, and in San Martín de la Vega, Spain.  

“We provide around-the-clock monitoring of the Galileo system’s security,” explains GSMC Head Philippe Rosius. “The purpose of this monitoring is to detect accidental or deliberate security events that could cause a disruption to the programme’s services.”

In the event of a threat to the security of the system and/or its services that could affect the security of the EU, the European Council will issue specific instructions to EUSPA, which the GSMC is responsible for implementing.

Beyond its monitoring duties, the GSMC is also responsible for managing access to the Public Regulated Service (PRS) and for ensuring that sensitive information relating to its use is properly managed and protected. 

“While the GSMC is an integral part of the Galileo infrastructure, it has the competence to be extended to other components of the Union Space Programme,” adds Rosius. 

Security expertise to support EU priorities 

EUSPA’s security expertise also makes it well-positioned to support the objectives of the recently adopted European Union Space Strategy for Security and Defence. 

Proposed by EU High Representative/Vice-President for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell, Executive Vice-President for A Europe Fit for the Digital Age of the European Commission, Margrethe Vestager and European Commissioner for the Internal Market Thierry Breton, the Strategy proposes actions to strengthen the resilience and protection of space systems and services in the EU EUSPA will have a key role to play for the implementation of this strategy.  Firstly, the strategy proposes the creation of a Sharing and Analysis Centre (EU Space ISAC) to raise awareness and facilitate the exchange of best practices among commercial and relevant public entities on resilience measures for space capabilities. 

Building on its experience with Galileo, EUSPA can ensure consistent security monitoring of all EU space programmes. In close cooperation with the Commission, the Computer Security Incident Response Team of all the EU institutions (CERT-EU) and the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA), EUSPA will play a key role as space security monitoring and operations centre in the EU. On request, we will be ready to also assist operators of essential space systems and services across the EU27.

With user needs being always the basis of the EU Space Programme, the Commission is seeking to embed military and security user requirements in the design of relevant new EU space systems and the upgrade of existing systems. Being a user-oriented agency, EUSPA will support the identification of security-related needs, and the accreditation and exploitation of dual-use systems and services. 

“Thanks to its robust security apparatus, EUSPA is an essential partner in keeping all of Europe’s space assets and the important data and services they provide safe and secure,” concludes da Costa.

Media note: This feature can be republished without charge provided the European Union Agency for the Space Programme (EUSPA) is acknowledged as the source at the top or the bottom of the story. You must request permission before you use any of the photographs on the site. If you republish, we would be grateful if you could link back to the EUSPA website (http://www.euspa.europa.eu).